Research centre proposed.

The development of a new cancer research centre has been announced in Thunder Bay.

The centre will focus on drug therapies, molecular medical physics and imaging research, psychosocial impacts and health outcomes.

Lakehead University, Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) are partners in growing the cancer research facility through research development and funding dollars. Specifically, NOSM will be unveiling a new funding formula for cancer research scientists in the coming months, says Michael Power, vice-president of cancer services for TBRHSC.

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"What that means is that they will be investing in the research institute so that we can recruit," Power says. "Right now we are actively involved in discussions with a person from Yale. We want to continue to grow critical mass."

But growing critical mass means the government bodies and private sector must work in unison. So much of what Thunder Bay medical staff is trying to do hinges on government support, Power says.

"This is about a 2005 strategy. Lakehead University, NOSM, TBHSC are the largest employers in the city. In the next 20 years the demand of health services is going to outstrip the demand for anything else. We have the ability to truly stimulate our local economy."

Power estimates the cancer facility will employ about 50 new people, not including private-sector spinoffs.

As the cancer institute grows there will be more private involvement. The ability to not only attract, but also secure, companies like Siemens will be a natural progression, he forecasts.

Siemens has signed a reference site contract with the cancer centre in the TBHSC building, making it a research and development partner.

"We have signed (the contract) and we are already into the research and development projects. Our people are actively being trained on their new technology," Power says.

The new cancer institute, ICR-Discoveries (Institute of Cancer Research), will be located in the previous Northwestern Ontario Cancer Centre building, which is less than 10 years old. The move is slated for 2005. Dr. Ingeborg Zehbe, whose aim is to find new ways to use taxol for fighting or curing cancer, will be one of the key scientists coming to Thunder Bay from Germany this spring. Zehbe will join the esteemed duo, Dr. John Th'ng, a chemotherapy sensitivity specialist, and Dr. Helga Duivenvoorden, a prostate cancer specialist, to form the nucleus for the research cancer institute.

The goal is to bring in eight well-respected experts. In 2005, a cancer research chair will be appointed for the enterprise.

"If we are going to go beyond that and look for synergies ... then opening the old cancer centre as a research environment makes a lot of sense," Power says.

Funding applications have been sent to FedNor, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and private donors to assist in the renovation process. As the centre grows, private sector companies will be included.

By KELLY LOUISEIZE

Northern Ontario Business